Node.js Interview Questions and Answers for 2025
By Mayank Sahu
Updated on Mar 25, 2025 | 25 min read | 1.6k views
Share:
For working professionals
For fresh graduates
More
By Mayank Sahu
Updated on Mar 25, 2025 | 25 min read | 1.6k views
Share:
Table of Contents
Node.js has revolutionized backend development with its asynchronous, event-driven architecture and high scalability. Built on Chrome’s V8 engine, it enables developers to build fast, efficient, and lightweight server-side applications. Its non-blocking I/O model makes it ideal for real-time applications, APIs, and microservices, making it a preferred choice for companies like Netflix, LinkedIn, and PayPal.
Node.js is a crucial skill in 2025 due to its dominance in backend development, high demand in full-stack roles, and efficiency in building scalable applications. With strong cloud adoption and a vast npm ecosystem, Node.js remains essential for modern web development, microservices, and serverless computing.
This blog provides a list of commonly asked Node.js interview questions, categorized into basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. From core fundamentals to security, debugging, and performance optimization, this guide will help you confidently crack your next Node.js interview.
Want to dive deeper into Node JS? Kickstart your journey with upGrad’s online data science courses and gain the skills to excel in this data-driven world!
For freshers and entry-level candidates, understanding the core concepts of Node.js is essential. Below are some common interview questions along with structured answers to help you confidently tackle Node.js interviews.
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to execute JavaScript code outside the browser. Built on the Chrome V8 engine, it is designed for asynchronous, event-driven programming and is widely used for building scalable web applications, APIs, real-time applications, and microservices.
Example:
It is used in applications like Netflix, PayPal, and LinkedIn due to its speed and scalability.
Example:
In the browser, JavaScript manipulates the DOM, while in Node.js, it handles HTTP requests, database queries, and file operations.
Example:
Node.js is ideal for real-time applications like chat apps and live streaming services.
The V8 engine is Google’s open-source JavaScript engine that compiles JavaScript into machine code for fast execution. It is used in both Google Chrome and Node.js to improve performance.
Example:
Due to the V8 engine, Node.js can handle thousands of concurrent connections, making it suitable for high-performance applications.
npm (Node Package Manager) is the default package manager for Node.js. It allows developers to install, manage, and share packages (modules) for faster development.
Key commands:
Example:
To install Express.js, use:
npm install express
Node.js follows an event-driven architecture, meaning that actions (like user requests) trigger events instead of sequential execution. The Event Loop listens for these events and handles them asynchronously.
Example:
const EventEmitter = require('events');
const event = new EventEmitter();
event.on('greet', () => {
console.log('Hello, World!');
});
event.emit('greet');
Output: Hello, World!
In Node.js, non-blocking I/O allows the system to handle multiple requests simultaneously without waiting for one operation to complete before starting another.
Example:
const EventEmitter = require('events');
const event = new EventEmitter();
event.on('greet', () => {
console.log('Hello, World!');
});
event.emit('greet');
Output:
Reading file...
(file contents displayed later)
The file read operation doesn’t block the execution of other tasks.
Modules in Node.js are reusable pieces of code that help keep the code organized. There are three types:
Example:
Creating a module (math.js):
exports.add = (a, b) => a + b;
Using the module in another file:
const math = require('./math');
console.log(math.add(5, 3));
Output: 8
Middleware functions in Express.js process incoming requests before sending a response. They can modify requests, handle errors, and enable authentication.
Types of middleware:
Example:
const express = require('express');
const app = express();
app.use((req, res, next) => {
console.log('Request received');
next();
});
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
res.send('Hello World');
});
app.listen(3000);
Streams in Node.js allow handling large amounts of data efficiently by processing it in chunks instead of loading everything into memory.
Types of streams:
Transform Streams: Modify data as it is read or written.
Example:
const fs = require('fs');
const readStream = fs.createReadStream('file.txt');
readStream.on('data', chunk => {
console.log('Received chunk:', chunk.toString());
});
This reads and processes a file chunk by chunk, preventing memory overload.
Both process.nextTick() and setImmediate() are used for scheduling asynchronous operations in Node.js, but they execute at different points in the event loop.
Feature |
process.nextTick() |
setImmediate() |
Execution Timing | Runs before the next event loop cycle begins | Runs after the current event loop cycle completes |
Priority | Higher priority; executes before I/O events | Lower priority; executes after I/O events |
Use Case | Used for deferring execution of a function to the next tick of the event loop | Used for executing callbacks after I/O operations |
A callback function is a function passed as an argument to another function, which executes after the completion of an asynchronous operation.
Node.js supports two module systems: CommonJS (require) and ES6 Modules (import/export). The key differences are:
Feature |
CommonJS (require) |
ES6 Modules (import/export) |
Syntax | const module = require('module') | import module from 'module' |
Exporting | module.exports = {} | export default or export {} |
File Extension | .js | .mjs or .js (with "type": "module" in package.json) |
Loading Type | Synchronous (Blocking) | Asynchronous (Non-Blocking) |
Usage in Node.js | Default module system | Requires "type": "module" in package.json |
Node.js is single-threaded, meaning it can only utilize one CPU core at a time. The cluster module allows multiple worker processes to run, each handling a portion of the workload.
Clustering is useful for scalability, allowing applications to leverage multi-core processors efficiently.
Worker Threads enable Node.js to execute JavaScript code in multiple threads within the same process.
Node.js provides multiple error-handling techniques to ensure applications remain stable:
process.on('uncaughtException', (err) => {
console.error('Unhandled Exception:', err);
});
The Buffer module in Node.js allows handling binary data efficiently. Since JavaScript primarily handles strings, the Buffer module is essential for working with raw binary data, such as files, streams, or network packets.
The child_process module in Node.js provides fork() and spawn() to create child processes, but they serve different purposes.
Feature |
fork() |
spawn() |
Functionality | Creates a new Node.js process that runs a script with its own V8 instance. | Spawns an external process to execute system commands. |
Communication | Supports Inter-Process Communication (IPC), allowing parent and child to exchange messages. | Uses standard input/output streams instead of IPC. |
Memory Usage | Higher due to an additional V8 instance. | Lower as it does not create a separate Node.js instance. |
Use Case | Running another Node.js script as a child process. | Running system commands like ls, grep, or executing external scripts. |
CORS is a security restriction enforced by web browsers that blocks requests from different origins unless explicitly allowed by the server.
Example: If a frontend application (example.com) tries to fetch data from an API on (api.example.com), the request may be blocked due to CORS policies.
To resolve CORS issues in Node.js, use the cors middleware in Express.js:
const cors = require('cors');
app.use(cors());
This allows the server to accept requests from different origins.
To protect a Node.js application from common security threats, follow these best practices:
db.query("SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = ?", [userInput], callback);
const rateLimit = require('express-rate-limit');
app.use(rateLimit({ windowMs: 15 * 60 * 1000, max: 100 }));
This section covers intermediate-level Node.js interview questions and answers, focusing on essential concepts such as asynchronous programming, performance optimization, and key Node.js functionalities. You'll gain insights into problem-solving techniques and best practices, helping you strengthen your expertise and prepare for more advanced Node.js roles.
Middleware in Express.js is a function that runs during the request-response cycle. It can modify requests, execute logic, or handle errors. Middleware is used for authentication, logging, and validation. Express provides built-in middleware like express.json(), and developers can create custom middleware using next().
Node.js handles file uploads using libraries like Multer and Formidable, which process multipart/form-data requests. These libraries parse files, validate data, and store uploads. Proper security measures, such as file size limits and MIME type validation, help prevent vulnerabilities like file injection attacks.
Callbacks and promises are both mechanisms for handling asynchronous operations in Node.js, but they differ in structure and readability.
In modern applications, promises and async/await are preferred due to improved readability, error handling, and maintainability.
Also Read: How to Create Index.js File in Node?
The __dirname variable provides the absolute directory path of the executing script. It ensures reliable file handling across environments, avoiding issues with relative paths. Common uses include reading/writing files, serving static assets, and setting configuration paths. Being a global variable, it requires no imports.
Exception handling in Node.js is crucial for maintaining application stability. There are multiple ways to handle errors effectively:
Implementing structured error-handling mechanisms ensures resilience and helps in debugging issues effectively.
The Cluster module in Node.js enables applications to take full advantage of multi-core systems by spawning multiple worker processes that run concurrently. By default, Node.js operates on a single thread, which can limit its ability to handle high-traffic applications efficiently. The cluster module mitigates this limitation by creating child processes that share the same server port, thereby improving scalability.
Each worker process runs independently but can communicate with the master process. If a worker crashes, the master process can automatically restart it, enhancing fault tolerance. The cluster module is particularly useful for CPU-intensive tasks where parallel processing is beneficial.
Dependency management in Node.js is handled primarily through npm (Node Package Manager) or Yarn, both of which allow developers to install, update, and remove packages efficiently. Key aspects include:
Following best practices, such as using dependency checkers (npm audit), ensures security and stability in Node.js applications.
Both .on() and .once() are used to listen for events in the EventEmitter module, but they differ in execution:
Using .once() where applicable prevents memory leaks by ensuring event handlers do not persist unnecessarily.
The util module in Node.js provides utility functions that simplify common programming tasks. Some of its key functionalities include:
The util module enhances development efficiency by providing built-in helpers for frequent coding patterns.
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is widely used in Node.js for data exchange, particularly in RESTful APIs. Node.js provides built-in methods for JSON processing:
JSON is the primary format for transmitting data between a client and server in web applications. Efficient handling of JSON, including validation and security checks, is crucial to prevent issues such as injection attacks or unexpected application behavior.
The crypto module in Node.js provides cryptographic functionality to implement security features such as hashing, encryption, decryption, and digital signing. It enables developers to secure data transmission, generate secure tokens, and implement authentication mechanisms.
Key features of the crypto module:
This module is commonly used for user authentication, token generation, and data protection in Node.js applications.
upGrad’s Exclusive Software Development Webinar for you –
SAAS Business – What is So Different?
A WebSocket is a communication protocol that provides full-duplex, real-time communication between a client and a server over a single persistent connection. Unlike traditional HTTP requests, which require repeated polling, WebSockets establish a long-lived connection that remains open, allowing both the client and server to send messages at any time.
Key Advantages of WebSockets:
WebSockets can be implemented in Node.js using the ws package:
const WebSocket = require('ws');
const server = new WebSocket.Server({ port: 8080 });
server.on('connection', socket => {
socket.send('Welcome to WebSocket Server');
});
This allows seamless real-time communication between the client and the server.
Node.js is single-threaded but highly scalable because of its event-driven, non-blocking architecture. It handles concurrency using the event loop, which efficiently manages asynchronous operations.
How It Works:
This architecture enables Node.js to handle thousands of concurrent requests efficiently without spawning multiple threads, making it ideal for high-performance web applications.
The async/await pattern simplifies asynchronous programming in Node.js by making the code more readable and easier to manage. It is built on top of Promises and eliminates the need for .then() and .catch() chaining.
Key Features:
Example:
async function fetchData() {
let response = await fetch('https://api.example.com/data');
return response.json();
}
This approach enhances maintainability and makes asynchronous code more structured.
CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) is a security mechanism that determines whether a browser should allow requests from a different origin (domain, protocol, or port). By default, browsers restrict cross-origin requests for security reasons.
In an Express-based application, the cors middleware can be used to enable or restrict cross-origin requests:
const cors = require('cors');
app.use(cors()); // Allows all origins
Developers can configure CORS to allow specific domains, methods, and headers for secure API access.
Before diving into the comparison, it's important to note that both process.nextTick() and setImmediate() deal with scheduling callbacks in Node.js but execute them at different points in the event loop.
Feature |
process.nextTick() |
setImmediate() |
Execution Timing | Executes before the event loop continues | Executes in the next iteration of the loop |
Priority Level | Higher priority; runs before I/O callbacks | Lower priority; runs after I/O callbacks |
Use Case | Deferring execution within the same phase | Executing code in the next event loop cycle |
Potential Issue | Can block the event loop if misused | More predictable scheduling behavior |
Streams in Node.js provide an efficient way to process large amounts of data without loading everything into memory at once. They handle data in chunks, improving performance and reducing memory usage.
Stream Type |
Description |
Example Usage |
Readable | Data flows from source to destination (one-way) | Reading files, receiving HTTP requests |
Writable | Data flows from destination to source (one-way) | Writing to files, sending HTTP responses |
Duplex | Two-way communication (read & write) | Sockets, WebSockets |
Transform | Data is modified during transmission | Compression, encryption |
Streams are commonly used for file handling, network communications, and real-time data processing.
Also Read: Top 45+ Nodejs Project Ideas for Beginners and Professionals
Memory leaks occur when allocated memory is not properly released, leading to excessive memory consumption. To prevent memory leaks in Node.js:
Implementing these best practices ensures optimal memory management in Node.js applications.
Both forking and clustering allow running multiple processes in Node.js to enhance performance. However, they serve different purposes:
Feature |
Forking |
Clustering |
Purpose | Creates a separate process for executing a task | Creates multiple worker processes for load balancing |
Process Count | One process per forked instance | Multiple processes managed by the cluster module |
Memory Usage | Higher (separate memory allocation) | Lower (shared memory among worker processes) |
Use Case | Best for CPU-intensive tasks | Best for handling multiple incoming requests |
Example | child_process.fork() | cluster.fork() |
Optimizing a Node.js application is essential for scalability and efficiency. Below are key strategies:
Optimization Technique |
Description |
Use Caching | Store frequent responses in memory (e.g., Redis, Memcached) to reduce redundant computations. |
Optimize Database Queries | Use indexing, avoid unnecessary joins, and limit data fetching to improve database performance. |
Avoid Blocking Operations | Use asynchronous operations instead of synchronous ones to prevent delays. |
Enable Compression | Use gzip or Brotli compression to reduce response sizes and speed up delivery. |
Implement Clustering | Distribute load across multiple processes to utilize multi-core CPUs effectively. |
For senior-level roles, interviewers focus on advanced concepts such as system architecture, performance optimization, and security best practices. This section covers expert-level Node.js interview questions that test your ability to handle real-world challenges, optimize applications, and implement best coding practices in large-scale projects.
Node.js uses a non-blocking, event-driven architecture with an asynchronous I/O model. It relies on callbacks, Promises, and the async/await syntax to handle multiple requests concurrently. The single-threaded event loop manages tasks efficiently, preventing the blocking of operations and ensuring smooth performance.
The async keyword declares an asynchronous function, while await pauses execution until a Promise resolves. This simplifies asynchronous code by making it readable and structured like synchronous code. It eliminates the need for callbacks, enhancing maintainability and debugging.
Separating the Express app from the server improves testability, scalability, and maintainability. It allows unit testing without starting the server, enables running multiple instances efficiently, and simplifies migrating to different server configurations without modifying core application logic.
A stub is a placeholder function used in testing to simulate real functionality. It returns predefined responses instead of executing actual logic, ensuring predictable outcomes. Stubs help isolate components, test edge cases, and avoid dependencies on external services during unit testing.
Express.js is the most popular Node.js framework, providing a minimalistic, flexible structure for building web applications and APIs. It offers middleware support, routing, and template engines, making development faster and more efficient. Other frameworks include Koa, NestJS, and Hapi.js.
Node.js offers security measures like HTTPS for encrypted communication, environment variable protection, input validation, and security headers. Using authentication tools like JWT, enforcing CORS policies, and regularly updating dependencies also mitigate vulnerabilities.
Libuv is a multi-platform library that powers Node.js’s asynchronous I/O operations. It provides event-driven capabilities, handles the event loop, and manages non-blocking I/O tasks such as file system operations, networking, and process management, ensuring efficient resource utilization.
Global objects in Node.js are accessible across all modules without requiring explicit imports. Examples include process (provides system information), console (handles logging), setTimeout (executes delayed functions), and __dirname (returns the directory of the current module).
The assert module is used for writing test cases and verifying assumptions in code. It throws errors when conditions fail, helping developers catch issues early. Common methods include assert.strictEqual() for equality checks and assert.deepStrictEqual() for object comparisons.
ExpressJS simplifies backend development with features like routing, middleware support, and template engines. It streamlines handling HTTP requests and responses, making it ideal for RESTful APIs and web applications. Its lightweight nature and extensive community support enhance productivity.
The Connect module is a middleware framework for handling HTTP requests. It provides utilities for logging, session management, cookie parsing, and error handling, making it easier to build robust web applications by chaining middleware functions.
Front-end and back-end development are two core components of web development. The front-end deals with the user interface and experience, while the back-end handles data processing and server-side logic. Here’s a comparison:
Aspect |
Front-End Development |
Back-End Development |
Definition | Manages the visual and interactive elements of a website or application | Handles server-side logic, databases, and APIs |
Technologies | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Angular, Vue.js | Node.js, Python, Java, Ruby, PHP |
Role | Ensures a responsive and engaging UI/UX | Manages business logic, authentication, and database interactions |
Execution | Runs in the browser | Runs on the server |
Examples | Buttons, menus, layouts, animations | User authentication, database queries, API handling |
Long-Term Support (LTS) releases of Node.js receive security updates and bug fixes for a longer duration, typically 30 months. These versions are stable and recommended for production environments, ensuring reliability over feature-driven non-LTS versions.
ESLint is a JavaScript linting tool that identifies syntax errors and enforces coding standards. It helps maintain consistent code quality, reduces bugs, and supports custom rule configurations for teams. It integrates with development environments and CI/CD pipelines.
The test pyramid categorizes tests into unit (most frequent, testing individual components), integration (validating interactions between components), and end-to-end (simulating real-world use). For HTTP APIs, unit tests check route handlers, integration tests validate middleware, and end-to-end tests simulate API requests.
Node.js is single-threaded but uses the child_process module to spawn child processes for CPU-intensive tasks. These child threads operate independently or communicate via message passing, preventing main-thread blocking while handling parallel workloads.
The EventEmitter module facilitates event-driven programming by allowing objects to emit and listen for events. It helps manage asynchronous operations by executing event handlers when specific events occur, improving modularity and reusability.
Clustering utilizes multiple CPU cores by creating child processes using the cluster module. It distributes workloads across processes, improving request handling, scalability, and overall application performance.
A thread pool is a collection of worker threads used to execute tasks concurrently. The libuv library manages the Node.js thread pool, handling operations like file system access, cryptography, and networking efficiently.
Worker threads enable multithreading within a single process, sharing memory, whereas clusters create separate processes with independent memory spaces. Worker threads suit computational tasks, while clusters efficiently handle multiple incoming HTTP requests.
The console.time() and console.timeEnd() methods measure execution time. Alternatively, performance.now() provides high-precision timestamps, helping track async function execution duration.
Node.js offers tools like --prof, perf_hooks, and external benchmarking libraries like benchmark.js to analyze async function performance and optimize execution times.
Node.js uses an event-driven, non-blocking architecture with a single-threaded event loop to manage concurrency. While JavaScript runs in a single thread, Node.js offloads heavy tasks like file I/O, database queries, and networking operations to libuv's thread pool or system APIs. The event loop efficiently manages callbacks, ensuring seamless execution of multiple operations without blocking the main thread.
The package.json file defines project metadata, dependencies, scripts, and configurations. It helps manage package installations, scripts execution (npm start), and versioning in Node.js projects.
Both readFile and createReadStream are used to read files, but they differ in how they handle memory and performance.
Aspect |
readFile |
createReadStream |
Working | Reads the entire file into memory before processing | Reads the file in chunks using a stream |
Best For | Small files (e.g., config files, small JSON files) | Large files (e.g., logs, video files) |
Memory Usage | High (entire file stored in RAM) | Low (processes data in chunks) |
Performance | Can be slow for large files | Efficient for handling large amounts of data |
Use readFile when you need the entire content at once, while createReadStream is better for large files to optimize memory and performance.
Also Read: Node JS vs Python: Difference Between Node JS and Python
Preparing for a Node.js interview requires a strong understanding of core concepts, hands-on experience, and familiarity with common Node.js interview questions.Here are some essential tips to help you ace your Node.js interview:
Master key Node.js principles, including event-driven architecture, asynchronous programming, the non-blocking I/O model, and modularization. Strong fundamentals will help in answering both theoretical and practical questions.
Work on small projects, contribute to open-source repositories, and build RESTful APIs to gain real-world experience. Practical knowledge demonstrates problem-solving skills and familiarity with Node.js internals.
Stay updated with the latest Node.js features, best practices, and performance improvements by reading the official Node.js documentation. Knowing recent updates gives you an edge in interviews.
Be proficient in debugging using Chrome DevTools, Node.js Inspector, and logging methods like console.log(), debug, and winston. Debugging questions are common in interviews.
If applying for senior positions, understand concepts like scalability, performance optimization, and microservices. Be prepared to discuss load balancing, caching, and event-driven architectures.
Be ready to explain authentication (JWT, OAuth), authorization (RBAC, ACL), and security vulnerabilities such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), and SQL Injection. Implementing security best practices is a crucial interview topic.
Mastering Node.js interview questions requires a solid understanding of core concepts, hands-on experience, and continuous learning. Regularly practicing coding problems, staying updated with the latest Node.js features, and refining debugging and security skills are essential for success.
To improve your Node.js interview performance, focus on real-world projects, contribute to open-source communities, and engage in mock interviews. Adopting a structured approach to learning will boost your confidence and problem-solving abilities irrespective of the roles you apply for.
By following these strategies, you can effectively tackle Node.js interview questions and enhance your chances of securing your desired role in Node.js development.
Boost your career with our popular Software Engineering courses, offering hands-on training and expert guidance to turn you into a skilled software developer.
Master in-demand Software Development skills like coding, system design, DevOps, and agile methodologies to excel in today’s competitive tech industry.
Stay informed with our widely-read Software Development articles, covering everything from coding techniques to the latest advancements in software engineering.
Get Free Consultation
By submitting, I accept the T&C and
Privacy Policy
India’s #1 Tech University
Executive PG Certification in AI-Powered Full Stack Development
77%
seats filled
Top Resources